Destination: Prince Edward Island

When it comes to world-class golf vacation destinations, Prince Edward Island on the eastern coast of Canada can hold its own with the best.

Destination: Prince Edward Island

When it comes to world-class golf vacation destinations, Prince Edward Island on the eastern coast of Canada can hold its own with the best.

PEI made history in 2009 as the first Canadian locale to host Golf Channel's "Big Break" reality show. And in 2011 the island was named the International Association of Golf Tour Operators' Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year.

Golf on PEI dates back to the 1890s. The soil is perfect for growing both grass and potatoes, and you will find both of them on the island in abundance. In fact, perhaps as a result of the fertile growing conditions, PEI has become a haven for not just golf, but also food lovers. The local produce -- coupled with amazing seafood, including lobster, Island Blue mussels, Malpeque oysters, soft shell clams and scallops -- means golfers don't just re-fuel, but instead get to slow down and savor ever meal.

The golf resorts on PEI offer a wide range of lodging to fit every taste and budget, from hotels and motels to inns, cottages, bed and breakfasts, summer homes and campgrounds. The range of accommodation options are just one of the reasons Travel+Leisure has rated PEI as North America's top island destination, and ScoreGolf Magazine has rated it the top golf destination in Canada more than once. The other primary reason, of course, are the golf courses.

PEI boasts 26 top-flight golf courses within minutes of the island's main attactions. You'll find everything from championship courses that have challenged PGA Tour pros such as Fred Couples and Mike Weir, to more forgiving courses that offer a great family golf experience.

Among the top plays on Prince Edward Island are the Links at Crowbush Cove, Dundarave Golf Course and Brudenell River on the eastern shore; Green Gables Golf Club on the north shore; Clyde River, Glen Afton and Fox Meadow in central PEI; and the western shore's St. Felix Golf & Country Club. If you want to take your game up a notch, look into the world-class Canadian Golf Academy at Brudenell.

Off the golf course, PEI's beaches have been a strong draw for years and remain at the center of many family trips. There are also numerous options for theater and music lovers. And cyclists will love the nearly 300 kilometers of groomed trails that roll through some of the most picturesque scenery on the island. Deep sea fishing, kayaking, windsurfing and camping are also among the long list of activities available to visitors on Prince Edward Island.